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Home Recipes Course Lunch & Dinner Salads Easy Strawberry Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad
GF Gluten-Free VG Vegetarian

Easy Strawberry Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad

Jump to Recipe Rate Recipe
Posted:6/4/18
Updated:6/12/20
pesto pasta salad with strawberries and avocado in white bowl

Have you every thought about combining strawberries and avocado with pesto pasta salad? Well, I did and it’s delicious and you’re welcome. 

pesto pasta salad with strawberries and avocado in white bowl this recipe

Guys, I’ve been having a moment with pesto. I made that macadamia nut basil pesto last week and I wanted to put pesto on all the things. Immediately.

As soon as I took a little taste of that heavenly blend or ingredients, I had several pesto recipes running through my brain all at once. Eventually I settled on a pasta salad variety because hello, summer is pasta salad season.

Actually, what happened was I threw a bunch of leftover ingredients from the day on a big bowl of greens. Some of those ingredients were strawberries and avocado with the basil pesto. And then I thought “Okay, can I do a pesto pasta with strawberries?! Is that weird?” Yes, I actually had that conversation with myself.

Well, clearly I didn’t think it was that weird because obviously that’s what we have here today.

Strawberry Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad

pesto pasta salad with strawberries in white bowl

This recipe is so simple and seriously a lovely combo of flavors! You may not think pesto and strawberries go together but just trust me –  they do! If you like basil + strawberry combo, you’ll love this wrap too. 

Plus pasta salad is the best for spring and summer gatherings. Who doesn’t like pasta salad?! And with with all of the pasta varieties out there, you can easily cater to those with any dietary restrictions.

what you need

  • favorite pasta (gluten-free, whole grain, regular, etc.)
  • pesto
  • strawberries
  • avocado (could omit)
  • crushed walnuts
  • shaved parmesan
sliced strawberries on cutting board, bowtie pasta in colander, halved avocado, pesto in jar

Oh, and did I mention this recipe is easy? I think I did.

But for real, pasta salad is so easy and just takes a little tiny bit of prep work. You can slice up the strawberries and avocado as the water comes to a boil, and make the pesto while the pasta is boiling.

And then all that is left is combining the ingredients!

ingredients for pesto pasta salad in glass bowl
pesto pasta salad with strawberries and shaved parmesan in bowl

This Strawberry Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad is so fresh and satisfying! Perfect for those summer BBQs, work lunches, and you could even toss in some grilled chicken if you’re looking for a meat option.

Add this to the list!

Strawberry Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad in white bowl
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Strawberry Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad

pesto pasta salad with strawberries in white bowl
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★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

This Strawberry Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad is simple and quick, vegetarian and gluten-free friendly using your favorite pasta.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
  • Category: side
  • Method: stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups dry bowtie pasta (weighed 8.5oz), option to use whole grain, gluten-free, chickpea, etc.
  • 3/4 cup pesto (homemade recipe)
  • 1/4 cup shaved parmesan
  • 2 cups sliced strawberries
  • 1 medium-large avocado, cubed (could omit if you’d like)
  • 1/4 cup walnut pieces, optional

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, cooking al dente.  Drain and rinse pasta under cold water. Option to use gluten-free pasta such as chickpea or quinoa pasta. I really like Banza.
  2. In large bowl combine cooked pasta, pesto, strawberries, avocado and parmesan cheese. Gently toss until pasta is coated. Sprinkle with crushed walnuts and top with more parmesan for serving, if desired.
  3. Note: I found this pasta salad to be best enjoyed within 1-2 days. I am not sure I’d recommend prepping this a day in advance for a party. You could prep each step and then combine right before serving.

Notes

If worried about avocado browning, add in just before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8th
  • Calories: 341
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 324
  • Fat: 15
  • Saturated Fat: 2
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 9
  • Cholesterol: 3

Keywords: pasta salad for parties, pesto and strawberries, ways to use strawberries in salads

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @fitmittenkitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #fitmittenkitchen

About Ashley

"Ashley Walterhouse is the founder of Fit Mitten Kitchen, based in the Greater Lansing Area of Michigan, AKA “the Mitten.” Ashley grew up as a picky eater but later discovered that eating healthy was actually easy and fun. She started FMK in 2015 as a way to share her newfound love of developing healthier recipes for all to enjoy."

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Reader Interactions

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  1. The Modern Proper says

    6/4/2018 at 6:09 pm

    This looks so bright and fresh, perfect for summer! I love to pair avocados with strawberries but I have yet to add pesto! Great idea. I will try this out!

    Reply
  2. Brittany Audra @ Audra's Appetite says

    6/4/2018 at 11:15 pm

    Such a fun, fresh, creative idea! Love avocados and strawberries together 🙂

    Reply
  3. Audrey says

    6/23/2019 at 8:49 am

    when I saw this recipe yesterday I knew it was exactly what I wanted to eat! I made a quick pesto with basil and baby kale, and I put the finished pasta salad in a bed of spicy baby greens. it was a perfect summer dinner!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      7/1/2019 at 10:12 am

      Yay! So glad you liked it. Thanks for your comment and review!

      Reply

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